EDF Senior Vase Quarter Final - (Away)
Dover's 1st XV (19) V (23) Cullompton RFC
Played 23rd February 2008
Dover’s excellent run in the EDF Senior Vase came to an end
in the scenic area of Collumpton in Devon in a nail gripping quarter
final encounter. Dover’s preparation for the game had been good
and a full squad travelled to Exeter on the Friday afternoon. About
50 supporters made the 540 mile round trip, which included the Town
Mayor, Bob Markham, senior club officials and some die hard Dover followers.
Dover always knew that this was going to be a test of their character
against a side with a massive home advantage. Stafford Park has become
a fortress to Cully who remain unbeaten on their own ground in two
years . With an estimated crowd of some 450-500 people and in near
perfect playing conditions the two sides took to the field in their
efforts to reach Twickenham.
Dover had the slight advantage of the slope in the first half although
the onslaught from the hosts was intense in the first quarter. Cully’s
8 was making some impressive running and tackles were being missed.
On 7 minutes Dover were penalised and the attempt at goal was missed.
Cully continued to pressurise and some good hits were now being made
with Kirk Savage, in particular, showing the way. Cully took the lead
on 17 minutes from a penalty and 5 minutes later they scored their
first try of the day . A dropped ball in Dover’s midfield allowed
Cully to take the opportunity of collecting the ball for a gift of
a score. Dover rallied and came back into the game. Wingers Ricky Mackintosh
and Ben Sedgwick had both impressed in clearing their lines and making
headway. 
One
penalty kick was missed following some impressive work by the forwards.
On the 32nd minute Dover won their scrum just inside
the hosts half. Outside half Martyn Beaumont fed Lee Tonks and then
Jamie Townley
made good ground and an inside pass to Beaumont saw the
skipper sprint through and touch down under the posts and then add
the additional points.
Cully’s response was immediate. Fortunately
they missed an easy penalty attempt. The game was intense with numerous
errors from both sides and ball being turned over far too easily and
Cully created on overlap to touch down and deservedly increase their
lead. Again Dover responded with some positive play and a second penalty
attempt was narrowly missed on the last kick of the half.
Gus Surendorff entered the fold for the second half and the substitution
paid immediate dividends. The Dover pack looked more compact in driving
forward and a better platform was created for the backs. Within 4 minutes
scrum half Ben Murray kicked the ball forward which luckily struck
the upright for Murray to pounce and touch down. Beaumont converted.
Although Dover were struggling in set pieces they continued to turn
over a quantity of ball, with Buster Collins and Jon Foster at the
forefront. One superb run started by Ed Close from deep within Dover’s
half saw Dover run from left to right and only a great cover tackle
stopped a certain score, which might have been a crucial factor in
this game. Dover were now on top and their ‘pick and go’ forward
play was showing its worth. Danny Robinson was immense in his efforts
as was his fellow donkey Dale Tonks. Dover increased their lead on
the 49th minute. Prop Shane Moore set up the ruck the ball was moved
across the park and Ricky Mackintosh joined the line to sever the Cully
defence and touch down for a brilliant score. The conversion was missed.
The Dover supporters were jubilant and the team had worked hard to
get back in the game and this was the perfect opportunity to take a
grip on the proceedings. Cully were clearing their lines well and were
looking dangerous particularly from the possession that Dover were
losing. On the 55th minute Cully were awarded a penalty for hands in
the ruck and the goal was kicked. Dover held onto their lead with some
desperate defence and Cully’s outside half missed a drop goal
attempt.
The game ebbed and flowed from one end to another and the next score
was crucial to the outcome of this cup tie however Cully were beginning
to look the more likely to score. With 7 minutes of normal time remaining
Dover lost possession of the ball and Cully spread the ball wide for
their backs to score a great try under the posts with the extras added.
This was a bitter blow for Dover who tried their utmost to clinch the
winner. Chris Lucas had joined the fray as had Greg Hewer for Ricky
Stanley and Jamie Phillips and they gave their all to try and get the
team back in the game. In the last minute Dover were awarded a penalty
which gave them a lineout on the Cully 5 metre line. The ball was lost
and the final whistle was blown. Dover had missed their chance but
had given their all against a well drilled and young competent team,
whose make up is similar to Dover’s. The game had been played
in an excellent spirit with a quality official, whose humour and management
of the game had benefited all persons present. Cully were the first
to leave the field with rapturous applause from all present and the
crowd showed the same appreciation to the visitors for their efforts
in this entertaining cup tie. On behalf of Dover RFC I wish the friendly
club of Collumpton the very best of luck in their dream of winning
this competition. The squad would also like to thank all the supporters
and well wishers who have been with them all the way in this competition.
Dover’s Senior Coach Graham Tonks commented; ‘We had a
chance but let it go. Cully are a good side and we must not overlook
this. Good luck to them. We have done so well this season and although
the boys are distraught they should be proud of their achievements.
It’s back to normality and we must now focus on the last five
league games starting with Eastbourne at Crabble next week’.
Team – Moore, Savage, Stanley, Tonks D, Robinson, Collins, Foster,
Davison, Murray, Beaumont, Tonks L, Mackintosh, Townley, Mackintosh,
Sedgwick, Close, Lucas, Hewer, Surendorff, Phillips.
Report by: Richard Collins
pictures by Ian Shilson
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